Budget, CBTECH director hot topics at MLSD board meeting

May 9—MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board conference room was filled to capacity Thursday evening as community members came to hear about the district's financial prospects and to speak about alleged disciplinary action taken against a school administrator.

The board declined to pass a resolution read by Superintendent Monty Sabin acknowledging that cuts and possible reductions in force would be necessary in the wake of the failure of the Educational Programs & Operations Levy. Sabin estimated the district will face a shortfall of about $20 million.

Board Member Kevin Fuhr moved that Sabin's resolution be passed, as the certificated teachers' union contract stipulated that teachers be notified of reductions in force by May 15, according to Moses Lake Education Association President Heather Whittall, and that process involves several steps.

The motion died for lack of a second.

Board Member Amy Breitenstein and Board Chair Kirryn Jensen said they wanted more specific information about what the decision would entail.

"I am not comfortable with just giving, basically, almost a blank check to just cut wherever," Jensen said.

Several community members spoke in support of Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center Director Christine Armstrong, who was allegedly placed on administrative leave and escorted from the campus in April.

"Thirty-nine years in the Moses Lake School District. She builds from scratch an educational institution revered, apparently, all over the nation, where students attended at a 90% rate and teachers love teaching," said James Getzinger, who identified himself as a girls basketball coach and farmer. "And because she had the audacity to stand up and say things you didn't want to hear. Her reward is — drumroll — administrative leave. And, as an added bonus, an attempted police escort for all the students to see."

The Moses Lake School District declined to comment on Armstrong's status, saying it does not discuss personnel matters.

The Columbia Basin Herald will have more information on both of these issues as we are able to speak with district officials and others involved.